1. Categories of Law
CLN4U

2. Common vs. Civil Civil Law Common Law
A system in which all laws are codified in statutes
Based on Napoleon’s Civil Code
Common Law
Law that is based on past decisions of judges (case law)
Based on British system

3. Substantive vs. Procedural
Substantive Law
Statutes, codes, judicial decisions
Procedural Law
The proper steps and rules to follow in a legal action

4. Domestic vs. International
Domestic Law
Laws a sovereign state makes within its territory
International Law
Agreements between sovereign states
Ex: extradition acts, free trade
Also, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Kyoto protocol

5. Private Law i.e. “civil law” – disputes between individuals
Contract law
upholds legal agreements
Property law
rights and obligations associated with property (house, car, etc.)
Tort law
determines compensation for damages incurred (law suit) from a wilful act or negligence
Family law
governs relations between families (marriage, children (support, custody) divorce
Corporate law
public and private corporations
stocktrading, shareholders’ rights, mergers/acquisitions

6. Public Law
Governs the relationship between the state and the individual
Constitutional law
set of rules that define government: levels and functions, jurisdiction
Criminal law
disputes between state and individuals
federal statutes set laws
Administrative law
gov’t agencies and tribunals